Officers found around 50 plants on Suffolk Way on Canvey Island at around 12.30pm, and arrested a 31 year-old man on suspicion of producing cannabis and abstracting electricity.

He has been released on bail until 3 May.

A further 16 plants were then discovered at an address off Beauchamps Drive in Wickford at 12.50pm.

Detective Superintendent Stuart Hooper said: "These warrants are part of an ongoing operation to tackle the supply of drugs in south Essex and part of its success is down to information supplied by members of the public.

"I would urge anyone who suspects premises are being used as cannabis factories, or has any concerns about drug dealing, to get in touch".